If you’ve gone into restaurants or health foods stores lately, you may have noticed a disturbing trend -- eating healthy can be costly. In fact, this has caused many people to abandon their cholesterol-lowering efforts in favor of high-fat, less expensive meals. Fortunately, eating low-fat does not have to come at a high price. About.com's Low Fat Cooking site has many recipes for low-fat, nutritious meals that can help you to keep your cholesterol levels in check – without burning a hole in your wallet.
Delicious, Low-Fat Appetizers
Whether you are gathering with family in front of the TV or having a party with friends, there will always be room for appetizers. Selecting healthy snacks can help keep your cholesterol levels in check - without costing you a lot of money. There are many recipes for low-fat, delicious appetizers and snacks are not costly and easy to prepare. Here are a few, inexpensive ideas for your next gathering:- Deviled Eggs - A low-fat version of your party favorite.
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds - An inexpensive snack that can be made in a pinch.
- Avocado, Bean and Corn Salsa - A tasty, healthy topping for many foods.
- Low-Fat Spinach Dip - A healthy spin on a delicious dip.
- Mango Tomato Salsa - A tangy, cholesterol-friendly salsa dip.
Low-Fat Breakfast on a Budget
Breakfast doesn’t have to come from a fast food dollar menu. There are many tasty, low-fat breakfast foods that are cholesterol-friendly and easy to prepare. Additionally, these meals don’t cost a lot of money to prepare. Try some of these inexpensive breakfast recipes:- Low-Fat French Toast - A tasty and inexpensive low-fat favorite.
- Whole Wheat Pancakes - A healthy, high fiber spin on the delicious pancake.
- Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins - A high fiber, low maintenance breakfast favorite.
- Quick and Easy Low-Fat Breakfast Wrap - A delicious, satisfying breakfast.
- Buttermilk Pancakes - A low-fat version of a traditional favorite.
- Low-Fat Banana-Raspberry Bread - A grab-and-go, inexpensive breakfast treat.
Inexpensive Lunch Recipes
There are many low-fat, inexpensive options for lunch – besides dining out. These recipes range between light lunches on-the-go to sit-down, satisfying lunches. By opting to bring your lunch from home instead of dining out, you can help keep your cholesterol levels within normal range – and your checkbook out of the red.- Low-Fat Italian Vegetable Soup - A cholesterol-friendly, low-fat soup chock-full of vegetables.
- Turkey and Green Bean Salad - A tasty, filling, low-fat lunch.
- Lentil Soup - A light, but delicious, low-fat soup.
- Low-Fat Chick Pea and Tomato Salad - An inexpensive, quick lunch.
- Confetti Rice Salad - Beans, veggies, and rice combine to make this low-fat meal.
Healthy Dinner Recipes
These low-fat, low budget meals are easy to prepare after a hard day at work. You can prepare something light for yourself or a large meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Either way, these recipes are delicious and cholesterol-friendly:- Low-Fat Cauliflower and Cheese - An easy-to-prepare, inexpensive dish.
- Green Bean and Tomato Salad - A healthy salad that is delicious and light.
- Macaroni and Cheese - A low-fat version of an all time favorite.
- Honey-Mustard Roasted Pork - A healthy, delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.
- Mediterranean Pizza - A healthy, inexpensive pizza that can also make for great leftovers.
